North Korea has reportedly named General Kim Kyok-sik new chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army.

The North's official KCNA news agency called Kim by that title while reporting that he accompanied leader Kim Jong-il on inspections of two military bases.

The general is believed to have assumed the post after his predecessor, who spent 12 years in the top military position, took over as deputy of the National Defense Commission.

He has served at senior posts in the North's military and has been a member of the Supreme People's Assembly.